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Uganda.
Wild Uganda Primate Safari

Day 1: Arrive In Entebbe

Upon arrival into Entebbe you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. If you arrive early in the day, a visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens is possible. Overnight at Karibu Guest House.

Day 2: Kibale Forest

Driving time: Approx 7.5 hours on mostly paved roads.

Morning drive westward to Kibale Forest. The route slowly ascends from the Lake Victoria basin into the lush rolling foothills of The Ruwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon). Pass through villages and farmland where every imaginable fruit and vegetable of the tropics can be seen growing and if you'd like stop to try some new things and chat with the locals. Birding is excellent with varying ecosystems including rain forest, agricultural land, papyrus swamps, scrub land, and the famous tea growing area around Fort Portal and Kyanjojo. Overnight at Primate Camp.

Day 3: Kibale Forest

Today we get the opportunity to explore Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species and a guided forest trek can be taken in search of one of the most popular primate species in the world – the chimpanzee. There are 9 diurnal primates, include, vervet, red-tailed, L’Hoest’s, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked manabey, red colobus, black and white colobus, olive baboon and the most famous of all, the chimpanzee. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, the odds are good with the chance of encountering them standing at higher than 90%. Whilst trekking in the depths of the lush green forest, you will be surrounded by bird song and can expect to see at least 5 or 6 other types of primate, most probably the grey-cheeked managebey, the red-tailed monkey and of course the chimpanzee. The walking is fairly easy due to the well-maintained trails and reasonably flat terrain. You will get another chance to trek the chimpanzees in the afternoon, allowing for observation of the chimpanzees during a different section of their daily lives. Overnight at Primate Camp.

Days 4 - 5: Bigodi Wetlands / Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spend the morning visiting the Bigodi Wetlands, situated in the highlands of western Uganda, in the shadow of the Ruwenzori Mountains. Hike on well-maintained footpaths through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, part of the Magombe wetlands, with community guides. This afternoon prepare for a scenic drive (approx. 3.5 hours) to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, situated in the western region of the Great Rift Valley. This park includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems from semi- deciduous tropical forests to green meadows, savannah, crater lakes and swamps. Within the park a vast array of wildlife can be found including elephant, buffalo, hippo, leopard and lions. Along the shores of Lake Edward and the Kasinga Channel are over five hundred bird species, including the Shoe-bill stork, black bee-eater, eleven different species of kingfisher and several eagles and other raptors. Hippo and crocodiles line the shore, and herds of buffalo often come here to drink. A private boat trip on the Kasinga channel is included. Overnight for two nights at Kyambura Game Lodge.

Day 6: Ishasha & Drive to Bwindi

Enjoy a scenic drive to the Ishasha region, still within QENP. This region is known for tree climbing lions, who nap in the branches of fig and other trees during the heat of the day. Other species include buffalo, elephants, kob, topi, and other antelope species. Depart by vehicle to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas and designated as a World Heritage Site. Some of the gorilla families have been habituated to human presence, and it is possible to visit them in their natural habitat within the forest. Bwindi also contains many other primate species and offers interesting and more relaxing walks for visitors around the lower levels of the forest. Overnight at Mahogany Springs Camp.

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Spend today visiting the mountain gorillas who reside in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Prior to trekking, you will have an orientation at the park headquarters to become familiar with gorilla tracking ethics. It is very important that under no circumstances are the gorillas to be touched by humans. This is to protect the animals from communicable diseases to which they are very susceptible. The trek, with experienced trackers leading the way, can take up to eight hours although the gorillas are usually found after two to four hours. Once located, your group of 8 trekkers will spend one hour with the gorillas. Gorilla viewing is not guaranteed, although since the trackers set out early in the morning to locate the gorilla families the probability of viewing gorillas is extremely high. Some hiking areas lie at altitudes above 7,500 feet over rough and muddy terrain. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trek worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as the most profound natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. It can rain at a few minutes’ notice, hence water proof clothing is a good idea, also zip lock bags for cameras. Return to camp for the evening meal and relaxation. Overnight at Mahogany Springs Camp.

Day 8: Free Day For Optional Activities In Bwindi

Today you have the option to rest at the lodge, experience a second gorilla trek or experience the lives of the Batwa pygmies. The Batwa pygmies were the original dwellers of the ancient forest and were known as the ‘keepers of the forest’. The Batwa lived in harmony with the forest and survived by hunting small game using bows and arrows and gathering plants for both food and medicinal purposes. A day spent with the Batwa gives you the opportunity to hike through the forest with a Batwa guide trying out hunting techniques with a bow and arrow, visit a Batwa homestead and learn how to cook and serve a meal, and talk to a medicine man and hear about medicinal properties of the forest as well as ancient legends and traditional songs. Overnight at Mahogany Springs.

Day 9: Lake Mburo

Driving time: 6-7 hours with stops on a paved road.

Morning departure for the drive through southwestern Uganda, a stunning scenic area, to the Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Mburo is comprised of five different lakes, and is home to zebra, topi, and eland. A game drive in the Park is an option for this afternoon, or you might just want to rest at Mihingo Lodge and watch wildlife at the watering hole and salt lick below the pool. Mihingo Lodge is a peaceful and luxurious retreat adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. Overnight Mihingo Lodge.

Day 10: Departure

Driving time: approx 5 hours.

You have an opportunity for a morning game drive before continuing the drive to Entebbe. A day room at the Karibu Guest House is provided in anticipation of an evening transfer to the airport for your international flight.